Maybe...maybe not. But My '83 (RQB 3655) never fails to impress Me when the 'going gets tough'. It really performed admirably after the blizzard we had last weekend!
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1983...Best Year Post Stude Avanti?
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Originally posted by SN-60 View PostMaybe...maybe not. But My '83 (RQB 3655) never fails to impress Me when the 'going gets tough'. It really performed admirably after the blizzard we had last weekend!
From my limited exposure I'd say it was one of the best years on a Studebaker frame. If I compare the 74 (RQB 2123) I'm working on to the 83 (RQB 3651) I've finished, the 83 is substantially better. The 74 in places looks like a kit car, like the frame torched off to add goofy bumpers is full of weldicles with no attempt to grind 'em off.
The glass body also just feels/looks thinner in spots where I've had to repair it and there is just a feeling of cheaper in the fit, finish and materials. It's not just an age thing as both have over 100K miles.
The engine in the 83 is bulletproof but not much of a performer but the 74 was no Can Am car either.
The leather in the 83 is about as good as it gets (according to Leatherique, where I sent the sample for color matching) and Avanti had switched to four speed automatics also. Everything just fits and feels like quality.
By the way, Kudos to you for putting yours on the road and driving the heck out of it.
Bob
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I notice that you two have 1983 Avantis just a few S/Ns apart and right after the prototype Anniversary Special Edition was built.Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer
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Originally posted by studegary View PostI notice that you two have 1983 Avantis just a few S/Ns apart and right after the prototype Anniversary Special Edition was built.
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Originally posted by SN-60 View PostBob's '83 is serial# RQB 3651 and My '83 has serial# 3655....Do you happen to know the serial# on that prototype Gary?Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer
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Originally posted by studegary View PostI believe that the proto. ASE was 3650. The production ASE's started with 3801. There is a gap in S/Ns from the "regular" Avantis and the ASE's.
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